Cam Newton: America’s Next Top Misogynist Contestant

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is in the headlines again. This time, it’s not for his impressive skills on the field.

Cam Newton should have given himself a second to read the field better, even if the opponents are throwing questions, rather than tackles. The Panthers quarterback received a routine question from reporter Jourdan Rodrigue, of the Charlotte Observer, on Wednesday.

“It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes,” Newton said, laughing to himself and then repeating, “It’s funny.” He punctuated the remark with a couple of exaggerated smiles. Only then did he answer the question.

Not only was it an awkward response from Newton, Rodrigue was rightfully offended. It is appalling that she didn’t receive the fair treatment during the press conference that her male colleagues received.

Backlash target: Cam Newton

After making the remarks, Newton came under instant fire on Twitter. Female reporters from all across the country quickly came to Rodrique’s defense.

Every female sports reporter has encountered a neanderthal like Cam Newton over the course of her career. They go low. We go high.

The Outcome

The Pro Football Writers of America has condemned Cam Newton’s comments and Rodrigue sought Newton out post-conference. Newton was unrepentant and according to the reporter did not apologize for his comments.

While Newton still hasn’t publicly apologized for his actions, he did express, apparently, regret towards Rodrigue, in a statement released by the team.

“I have spoken with Jourdan and Cam and I know they had a conversation where he expressed regret for using those words,” the Panthers spokesperson, Steven Drummond said in a statement. “We strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team.”

Newton, who won the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player Award, is known for outlandish outfits at news conferences wacky TD celebrations, and for having a personality that can go from charming to prickly in an instant. Most are certain that Cam didn’t mean much by his words. He just needs to become more self aware. You have show same respect no matter what gender is asking the question.